Psalms 57 - Introduction

A.M. 2946. B.C. 1058.

This Psalm is similar to the preceding, and was composed on a like occasion, namely, when David was in great danger from his enemies. And he observes the same method in the composition of it as in the former. He begins with prayer and complaint, though not without hope, Psalms 57:1. He concludes with joy and praise, Psalms 57:7.

Title. Al-taschith Destroy not. This Psalm is supposed to be thus entitled, because some of David's men, observing the advantage which he had over Saul in the cave of Engedi, would fain have despatched him, if David had not forbidden the person who was ready to strike the blow, saying, Destroy not. The same title is prefixed to the two following, and to the seventy-sixth Psalm, most probably to show that they were to be sung to the same tune. The reader will find the history here referred to 1 Samuel 24:1.